Best Wine Glasses 2020 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

There is a time in everyone’s life when one realizes that they are well past the age of drinking wine straight out of the bottle. A time wherein they realize that they can no longer chug wine out of plastic tumblers anymore and drinking just for the sake of getting sloshed is just isn’t their ‘scene’ anymore. If you believe you have reached that stage in life, then this guide consisting of the best wine glasses is perfect for you.

It is essential, however, that while sipping their favorite Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, one uses glasses that complement these exquisite wines the best. Because when it comes to tasting wine, certain glasses work better than the others. If you think that this is not true, we have scientific evidence to prove the same. In 2015, a group of Japanese Medical Researchers recorded how ethanol vapors leave different glasses. The research group showed how different glass shapes affected the density and position of vapors in and around the rim and openings of different glasses. Why are vapors important, you ask? Vapors released by these wines are responsible for producing the majority of flavors in a particular wine.

Hence, it is imperative that one is well aware of the various wine glasses available in the market. Today, there are around 8000 different varieties of wine that are available around the globe, and an equal number of ways of drinking them. In a fiercely competitive market, selecting the perfect wine glass can be quite a task. Luckily, we are here to make it easy for you.

This guide to selecting the best wine glass will help you find your perfect fit. This guide starts with the factors we need to keep in mind while investing in a set of wine glasses, the varieties of glasses that are available in the market, followed by an elaborate review of a list of glasses to suit your taste and style. It is essential that you realize that you don’t need every set of glasses listed below. Based on the most successful buyer’s motto- ‘buy it once, buy it right,’ we have also compiled a list of one-size-fits-all wine glasses to make sure your investment is worth every penny.

Top 19 Best Wine Glasses 2020

The Schott Zwiesal Burgundy Red Wine Glass is a pure Burgundy glass with a dramatically angled bowl and a dignified stem. It is one of the very few glasses in the world which has maintained its traditional look over the past century. Beautifully designed, the Schott Zwiesal Burgundy Red Wine Glass is aesthetically the best varietal wine glass available in the market. It belongs to the pure collection of Schott Zwiesal glasses. These glasses are designed with sharp, crisp lines that give these glasses a more geometric look.

The Schott Zwiesal Burgundy Red Wine Glass is manufactured with the patented Tritan technology, which makes the glass resistant to micro-fractures such as chipping, scratching, thermal shocks, and up to 100m percent less likely to break or chip during everyday use. Like all the other Schott Zwiesal stemware, this too is produced lead-free and in a state of the art manufacturing unit, the only one in the entire world to produce environmentally friendly, lead-free crystal glass. The glass produced, popularly known as the Tritan glass, is lead-free, extremely elegant, and brilliant to look at.

The Schott Zwiesal Burgundy Red Wine Glass is dishwasher safe. The only thing that the user must keep in mind is the fact that the glassware is placed correctly, and there is no chance of any loss or breakage. It must also be noted that if the stem is twisted or undue pressure is applied, this extremely fragile glass may end up breaking.

What the Schott Zwiesal Burgundy Red Wine Glass loses in fragility, it makes up for it with its sheer brilliance in craftsmanship. At around 80 dollars, this set of glasses will not disappoint. If you love your Burgundy, then The Schott Zwiesal Burgundy Red Wine Glass is a worthy investment.

The Libbey Signature Kentfield Estate All-Purpose Wine Glass is probably the best all-purpose wine glass in the market at the moment. At a little over 30 dollars, this 16-ounce tulip-shaped glass is one of the top stemware chosen by experts from around the world. In a blind test done by experts of the wine field, it was rated as the best in showcasing the aromas of both red and white wines. It comes with an extremely thin lip which does not distract the user from the overall experience of a wine.

The Libbey Signature Kentfield Estate All-Purpose Wine Glass is designed in a way that can be used daily, as well as, occasionally for parties. It has a classic look that never goes out of style. These glasses are extremely durable and hence, very practical when it comes to daily use. It is also dishwasher safe and can be cleaned very easily, making this a very long-lasting product.

Due to its shape, one can detect even the slightest of aromas in a Libbey Signature Kentfield Estate All-Purpose Wine Glass. These glasses are narrow enough to preserve the delicate nuances of a white wine, while, its 16-ounce capacity gives the wine enough room to breathe and swirl.

The Libbey Signature Kentfield Estate All-Purpose Wine Glass is one of one the glasses that have a balance between the size of the bowl and the stem and the diameter of the base. However, it’s a little thicker as compared to other delicate crystal stemware, but its durability makes up for that. Copyright of the Libbey glasses, these glasses are made from the ClearFire formula and tend to sparkle when under direct light.

The Libbey Signature Kentfield Estate All-Purpose Wine Glass also one of the oldest and the most successful models of this manufacturer, which is 200 years old. It is known for its longevity and comes with a 25-year manufacturer chip warranty. The only issue with the Libbey Signature Kentfield Estate All-Purpose Wine Glass is the fact that it is slightly heavier and less elegant than its competitors, which are more expensive. However, it makes up for it in with its durability and its affordable pricing.

The Reidel Vinum Zinfandel/Riesling Grand Cru is one of the most elegant daily purpose wine glass available in the market. Although it’s a little expensive as compared to the Libbey Signature Estate, it is exquisitely designed and elegant in its looks. They work well with both red and white wines. Due to its elongated, tulip-shaped bowl, the aromas reach the nose perfectly fine. These glasses come with a laser-cut rim, which feels practically seamless on the edge of your lips.

The Reidel Vinum Zinfandel/Riesling Grand Cru also shines brilliantly under direct light. It is extremely durable and dishwasher safe. The design of the glass is very well balanced and the height is quite appropriate as well.

Tests show that the aroma of both red and white wines can be easily detected from the elongated, tulip-shaped bowl. The thin rim allows the drinker to focus only on the wine, as the glass feels practically non-existent. When compared to the Libbey, it has a narrower stem and a more elegant outlook with intricately designed thin rims, which make this set of glasses worth every penny.

Not only that, Reidel is a highly regarded company for a first-time buyer and the number one name in the stemware industry. This series of glasses date back to the early 1980s, making this one of the very few sets of wine glasses that have stood the test of time.

The only drawback with the Reidel Vinum Zinfandel/Riesling Grand Cru is the slight seam that runs across the part where the bowl meets the stem of the glass, a minor compromise in such an elegantly designed glass. At around 90 dollars, there are very few glasses that are as beautiful as the Reidel Vinum Zinfandel/Riesling Grand Cru.

The Tossware 14oz Stemmed Vino Recyclable Wine Glass is another multi-purpose wine glass that works well with the reds as well as the whites. Not only that, Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and even cocktails taste good in this set of glasses.

The Tossware 14oz Stemmed Vino Recyclable Wine Glass is very well-designed and the height at near about 8 inches is perfect for holding and using it on a daily basis. Not only that, these glasses are recyclable and shatterproof, so there is very little chance that they will break if you accidentally end up dropping them.

The Tossware 14oz Stemmed Vino Recyclable Wine Glass uses high-quality polymer which provides crystal clear thin rims. Thin rims make sure that it is only the wine that hits your tongue, and the glass is not distracting, creating a good atmosphere to enjoy wine and give the user a smooth drinking experience. The crystal clear glass provides aesthetic to this glass.

Tossware wine glasses are very popular for their patented feature known as the Interlocking Stackability which allows the user to attach and detach the stem from the bowl, giving you stemless glasses in one swift movement. The Tossware 14oz Stemmed Vino Recyclable Wine Glass gives you two looks, the classy stemmed look, and the modern stemless look at the price of one.

At around 20 dollars, there are very few wine glasses that come with the durability and practicality of the Tossware 14oz Stemmed Vino Recyclable Wine Glass, making this a very worthy investment if you are looking for a decently priced, multi-purpose wine glass.

The Paksh Novelty Italian Red Wine Glasses are the best example of how exquisite and intricately designed Italian Wine glasses can be. These red wine glasses are as elegant as they come. They are perfect for every occasion. If it’s a bottle of red wine you are popping open, then the Paksh Novelty Italian Red Wine Glasses are the best investment.

It is manufactured using an exclusive material called the Star Glass, which is produced from a lead-free chemical. It produces ultra-clear wine glasses. The laser-cut glass has a uniform and thin rim which makes the process of drinking red wine from this glass quite an experience. The flavors feel full, and the aromas can be detected with relative ease, a very important factor in the case of any red wine.

The Paksh Novelty Italian Red Wine Glasses is shaped like a large bulb. This makes the swirling process incredibly easy and comfortable. It feels almost natural. Also, the large glass allows the red wine to breathe well, adding to its flavors and releasing the aromas red wines are famous for.

These glasses are dishwasher safe. It has made with the help of premier XLT treatment. This technology improves the stem resistance of the glasses and protects them against the most common causes of breakage such as washing, twisting, and abrasions.

The only issue with the Paksh Novelty Italian Red Wine Glasses is the fact that is a varietal wine glass and can only be used when enjoying red wine. Whites won’t taste the best in this and hence, if you are for an all-purpose glass, you would want to look elsewhere. However, when it comes to red wines, the Paksh Novelty Italian Red Wine Glasses is one best wine glasses available. It looks and feels good, and is the perfect partner for a bottle of Cabernet or a Pinot Noir.

Another very popular red wine varietal glass is the Schott Zwiesel Forte Red Wine glass. This range of glasses, which was first designed and produced more than 140 years ago in the German town of Zwiesel, is still a leading name in the red wine glass industry.

The Schott Zwiesel Forte Red Wine glasses are made of Tritan crystal, which is made from a formula that replaces lead with zirconium and titanium. This provides unparalleled strength and brilliance to these glasses. The Schott Zwiesel manufactures these glasses in a state of the art manufacturing unit, the only one in the entire world to produce environmentally friendly, lead-free crystal glass.

The Schott Zwiesel Forte Red Wine glasses come with a bowl that is perfectly sized for an appropriate amount of wine. It is large enough for the red wine to breathe sufficiently, and also preserve the smell for the drinker. The soft tapered bowl focusses a lot on the fact that the essence of the wine is maintained. It also delivers the full taste experience to the palate. The Tritan Crystal is scratch, chip, stain, and break-resistant. So, these glasses are extremely durable and long-lasting, provided they are not dropped from a considerable height.

There are very few glasses in the market that can match the elegance of this 140-year-old range of red wine glasses. Also, an important thing to note is the fact that despite seeming so fragile, the Schott Zwiesel Forte Red Wine glasses are dishwasher safe.

Since these glasses are so fragile, they tend to break or crack if undue pressure is exerted on to the glass. It is important that one does not twist the stem too tightly. That is probably the only issue with this amazingly elegant set of glasses.

If you are looking for a red wine glass that can be used occasionally and adds to the charm of your stemware, then the Schott Zwiesel Forte Red Wine glasses are the best purchase for you. Priced at a little under 50 dollars, this product makes sure you take the best taste away from your reds.

Just like its red-wine counterpart, the Paksh Novelty White Wine Glasses is one investment that will never disappoint. Crafted in the highlands of Italy, these glasses are the best white wine glasses in the market available at an affordable price. At around 25 dollars, they ensure this glass has whatever that is needed in a white glass.

This 15-ounce white wine glass shines brilliantly under direct light, which is a very important factor in the case of any white wine. These glasses are not extremely beautiful to look at, but add practicality to your bar top. The Paksh Novelty White Wine Glasses is the perfect combination of stability, resilience, and astounding practicality.

The stemware is made up of star glass, a lead-free composition. As a result, the glass used for the manufacture of this product is ultra-clear, pure and stunning, all at the same time. The rims are cut with the laser cut glass process, and hence, the output is extremely thin. This ensures that all the flavors of the dessert wines are perceived well.

Like its red-wine counterpart, the Paksh Novelty White Wine Glasses is designed with a bulb-shaped bowl that feels very comfortable and natural to swirl, allowing the wine to breathe, enhancing its flavors and decadent aromas.

This glass is also dishwasher safe and is finished with premier XLT treatment, which provides an extra layer of protection against the most common causes of breakage.

If you like your whites and want to enjoy them at their best, then this white wine varietal is for you. One of the most affordable white glasses, the Paksh Novelty White Wine Glasses doesn’t compromise on what is most important, and there are very few in this price range that can compete with the sheer class and durability of this product.

It is a well-documented fact that when it comes to red wine, you just can’t compromise on the size of the bowl. When it comes to REDS, SIZE DOES MATTER. A larger bowl allows maximum aeration of the wine while still allowing all the lonely flavors to stay inside the glass. At around 22 ounces, the RoD Wine Glasses are the best red wine glasses ever produced in the world. The wine coming out of this glass will always be the best it can be.

The RoD Wine Glasses come with the perfect balance of the glass, a long elegant stem and a beautiful crystal chime from the rim. The decadent scent of your favorite red wine will subtly touch the base of your nose when you cradle the beautiful glass a little. Drinking wine from the RoD Wine Glasses will be an experience every time for you and your loved ones. The long stems also make sure that the temperature remains the same for a longer duration of time.

The RoD Wine Glasses are designed in Bohemia, Czech Republic, a place that is known to produce to the best glass in the world. These glasses are produced using eco-friendly processes with minimal use of water and are produced using Titanium crystal instead of lead, making these extremely durable. These glasses are everlasting and can continue to stay new even after hundreds of washes.

The RoD Wine Glasses come with the best packaging in the whole world. The manufacturers have won several awards for the same. They are intricately packed inside an impressive packaging, which makes sure the product is delivered to you in one piece. These boxes can further be used for storage purposes, year on year. It is the perfect gift set for wine enthusiasts around the world.

Another interesting take away from this purchase is the fact that one receives a 195 page of Wine Wisdom guide with information on everything to know there is about wine. Also, the manufacturers of The RoD Wine Glasses let you take your time with your purchase. If there is an issue, you can return the product within 90 days, and a full refund will be provided for the same.

If you love your red, then there is nothing better than the RoD Wine Glasses. The only issue is the fact these glasses are quite luxurious and hence, are not the most affordable of the lot. But it is an investment worth every single penny considering the quality of the RoD Wine Glasses is nothing short of exquisite.

The Bella Vino Italian red wine glass is a meticulously designed red wine varietal glass that gives you elegance and durability at the same time. If you are looking for a wine glass for any occasion, be it a birthday, an anniversary, or just a lazy Sunday afternoon, the Bella Vino Italian red wine glass is the safest bet in terms of investment.

It comes with a stem which is just about the right size so that the glass does not topple over easily. The bowls are designed so well that there is very little chance of spilling. You can shake, swirl and cradle all you want, the large bowl and the short stem prevents spilling in any form and also to provide enough aeration to the wine. The lip is extremely thin, which makes sure the wine hits your tongue with relative ease, leading to a more enjoyable drinking experience.

The Bella Vino Italian red wine glass is manufactured by the Hand-Blown technique using 26 procedures by experienced craftsmen, making this one of the glasses in the world which are manually designed. This adds value to both the glass and the design. These glasses have a very sophisticated design, and the flow is also quite smooth.

This glass is made up of Premium Crystal glass which is lead-free and of extremely high quality. Since its hand-blown, it can be quite fragile for a dishwasher. Due to this, hand washing is recommended.

The Bella Vino Italian red wine glass also comes with a broken glass replacement or full refund warranty. That is, how much the manufacturers trust the quality of the glass. For 20 dollars a pair, these glasses are worth your money.

If you are looking for a set of wine glasses that is sturdy enough and yet looks brilliant, then the Bella Vino Italian red wine glass is the perfect purchase for you.

It is one of the very few manufacturers that believe in the notion that a wine glass shouldn’t just be about knocking back that Cabernet. It should be a statement of class and elegance and their best selling product; Wine Science crystal wine glasses are a testament to that.

These glasses are hand-blown to create a single piece from top to bottom. There are no unsightly joints or seams of any sort. This also ensures that no seams are cutting across the bowl, and there are no joints around the stem. These glasses are all about craftsmanship.

The Wine Science crystal wine glasses are designed with ultra-thin crystal glass, which is one of the most premium varieties of glass available around the globe. This glass ensures that the wine just rolls into your mouth, and the thickness of the glass doesn’t distract you in any manner. The glass is also quite intricately shaped, allowing the perfect amount of aeration. The crystal glass gives beautiful clarity and eye-catching sleekness to the glass.

Another interesting point to note is the packaging that the Wine Science crystal wine glasses come in. The packaging is quite good, and it ensures that you receive your set of glasses in one piece. The box can even be used for further storage. This packaging also includes high-quality coasters, which are free along with these glasses.

The manufactures of the Wine Science crystal wine glasses also give their customers a no questions asked 100 percent refund guarantee, which is quite rare when it comes to hand-blown glasses, as they can be quite fragile.

For 20 dollars, the Wine Science crystal wine glasses give you everything you can ask for in a wine glass. Intricate hand-blown design, ultra-thin crystal clear glass, and a lifetime warranty. They can be quite fragile, but that is the price you have to pay for this elegant hand-blown set of Wine Science crystal wine glasses.

The Villeroy and Boch Ovid wine glass set can be your one-time investment when it comes to wine glasses. The set includes all that you need when it comes to drinking wine. It includes glasses that are specific to the red, the whites, and sparkling wines.

The Villeroy and Boch Ovid wine glass set are manufactured using 100 percent lead-free crystal glass, which combines sophisticated brilliance and durability of glassware. These glasses are quite multi-purpose as well. They can very well be used occasionally due to its intricate design, and its immense durability makes it perfect for everyday use as well.

The packaging is exceptionally secure, attractive, and includes one single answer for all your needs. It consists of three most essential shapes to ensure years of use without another reinvestment. The manufacturers of the Villeroy and Boch Ovid wine glass set are one of the oldest stemware manufacturers if the world. They have been in the business since 1748, and are still produced in the same factories they were produced centuries ago. This adds face value to these glasses and reassures the buyer that the product will not disappoint.

These glasses are also dishwasher safe and don’t break easily because of their sturdy production.

If you are looking for something that can cater to all your wine needs, is intricately designed and durable enough, then the Villeroy and Boch Ovid wine glass set is the perfect product for you. At around 50 dollars, this set of glasses provides you with years of experience packed into a single, extremely attractive box.

On the Rox is one of the very stemware manufacturers in the world that manufacture engraved wine glasses. These glasses are made of the highest quality lead-free glass, and the letter is engraved on to the glass with extreme perfection, providing satisfaction, and value for money for years to come.

On the Rox engraved wine glasses are multi-purpose. Its large cup which can hold up to 12.75 ounces of wine, provides a perfect balance for both red and white wines. Like all other wine glasses with large bowls, this glass has the perfect amount of space for the wine to breathe well.

When it comes to the engraved letter, the craftsmanship is quite intricate and they are packed and delivered at the doorstep after passing a number of quality checks. Since these glasses are engraved and the initials can be selected by the buyer itself, the On the Rox engraved wine glasses make for a great gift for wine enthusiasts. Imagine having a drink from a glass with your initials custom engraved on it.

On the Rox engraved wine glasses are extremely durable too, and can be dishwasher without any form of breakage. This glass also comes with a 100 percent refund policy if the buyer is not fully satisfied with the product. At around 15 dollars per glass, this isn’t one of the most affordable of glasses but it’s worth the money because of its state of the art craftsmanship.

If you often come across glasses that tend to break easily, and you wish to invest in a set of wine glasses that will not make you invest in a new set once every two months, then these Unbreakable red wine glasses are the perfect product for you.

The Taza! Unbreakable red wine glasses are perfectly designed to be used for a variety of reasons and have versatility which is very rare in a varietal wine glass. These glasses are extremely lightweight and easy to use. With a bowl that can accommodate 22 ounces of wine, these glasses are perfect for red wines as they give the wine enough space to breathe.

The Taza! Unbreakable red wine glasses are extremely elegant to look at because of the 100 percent Tritan material which is used in the manufacture of these glasses. Tritan provides the brilliance of a fine wine glass and an immense amount of durability. This just goes to show that one doesn’t necessarily need to sacrifice practicality over clarity. The wines look extremely beautiful inside the Taza! Unbreakable red wine glass.

The stems of these wines are extremely sturdy and almost never snap. They have close to zero fragility. The Taza! Unbreakable red wine glasses feel extremely good. The rims are intricately designed and hence, they provide the best drinking experience from something which is not glass.

The Taza! Unbreakable red wine glasses have close to zero maintenance costs. Moreover, they are dishwasher safe and do not need any special care. They are manufactured using Tritan material which is 100 percent BPA-Free and EA-Free. This ensures you always know what goes inside your body as they don’t chemically react with your wine.

At around 25 dollars, the Taza! The Unbreakable red wine glass is the perfect one-time investment if you have kids, pets or tipsy friends. They provide you the durability of Tritan with the elegance of a fine wine glass. Invest in this shatterproof glass so that you never have to worry about your expensive stemware again.

The first recorded mention of the Spiegelau glasses goes well beyond the 16 century. There is mention of the Spiegelau-Style series red wine glasses even in history books, so if you plan on investing in a set of Spiegelau, be prepared to be a part of history. The Speigelau glass factory is one of the oldest hand-blown factories in the world.

Every wine lover wants one thing from any wine glass that he/she invests in-an exquisite taste when the wine leaves the rim of the glass, and the Spiegelau-Style series red wine glass delivers exactly this. The intricate design which is both modern and traditional at the same time allows the ultimate aromatics and flavors hidden deep inside your favorite wines to come up.

The Spiegelau-Style series red wine glass has a perfect sized large bowl that can accommodate 22 ounces of wine at once. The size eliminates the constant hassle of refilling the glass time and again, and also gives the wine a lot of space to breathe, which in turn the hidden flavors and aromas.

The Spiegelau glasses have been known for their exquisite craftsmanship. These glasses are manufactured using pure crystal which gives the most aesthetic vibe to these glasses. Since they are made from pure crystal, you never have to worry about lead affecting the taste or aroma of your red wine.

The Spiegelau-Style series red wine glass is the perfect gift for any wine lover. The history and quality that comes with this set of glasses are immense. For 30 dollars, the Spiegelau-Style series red wine glass is perfect if you are looking for something classic, yet trendy. The only issue with these glasses is the fact that they can be a little fragile and generally, need to be hand-washed in order to improve their life span.

If simple traditional elegance is what you are looking for in your next investment, then the Stone and Beam traditional white wine glass is the perfect wine glass for you. These 16- ounce white wine glasses are manufactured using lead-free glassware that keeps its shine even after multiple washes.

The Stone and Beam traditional white wine glass uses sparkling soda-lime glass. They can be used every single day because of their immense durability. But, that does not mean that these glasses sacrifice on elegance. They are beautifully designed, and the shine remains intact over the years.

The Stone and Beam traditional white wine glass is dishwasher safe so you don’t have to constantly worry about handwashing them after every single use. However, one must not use abrasive cleaning pads as they will lead to the glasses losing their shine.

These 16-ounce glasses are perfectly shaped for a glass of white wine. Their base is wider than the mouth of the glass, to prevent the aromas to quickly leave the glass. The rim is also quite thin and ensures that the dessert wines hit the tip of your tongue first before entering your mouth so that you can fully enjoy the taste of wine.

The Stone and Beam traditional white wine glass is the perfect investment if you are looking for a white wine glass that suits both formal and informal get-togethers. For just 40 dollars, they give you the perfect combination of immense durability and intricate design, which is quite rare when it comes to white wine glasses.

The Classic Premium all-purpose wine glasses are a crystal clear wine glass that is made from high-quality glass which allows complete content visibility. If you want to perfectly showcase your wine collection, be it the stunningly beautiful reds such as the Burgundy or a Pinot Noir, or the classy whites such as Chardonnay, then the Classic Premium all-purpose wine glass is the best wine glass for you.

The crystal clear lead-free glass which is used for the production of these glasses provides a quality presentation. This ensures that the beauty of the wine can be observed at its best inside these beautiful glasses.

Due to its elegant and intricate design, the Classic Premium all-purpose wine glass is quite versatile in its use. They can be used occasionally as well as every day because these glasses are quite durable.

The generous size of the bowl of this glass holds a healthy amount of wine. This gives the wine more than enough room to breathe. The bowl is wide enough to subtly express the bold notes of the red, while not losing the more delicate flavors of the white wines. The stem of the Classic Premium all-purpose wine glass is quite rightly designed to support the right bowl, and it sits well on a flat surface. This also gives the glass a low center of gravity, making it hard for it to topple over.

The Classic Premium all-purpose wine glasses have been crafted with good quality glass, which makes sure that the stemware is dishwasher safe and can also be very easily hand washed.

If you are looking for an all-purpose wine glass that is decently priced and holds a good capacity of wine at once, the Classic Premium all-purpose wine glasses are the perfect purchase for you. Moreover, this simple, elegant, and timeless design with perfect crystal glass at less than 20 dollars is too good an offer to make a pass at.

When compared to all the other wine glasses on this list, the Zalto Denk’Art universal glass stands out for being far superior to the rest. Though it’s very expensive (somewhere around 100 dollars), it is an accepted fact that it showcases the red and white wines exceedingly well. The thinness of this glass and the long delicate is probably the best there is in the market at the moment.

The Zalto Denk’Art Universal glass is not practical for daily use, but it is the perfect glass when you want to enjoy a really nice wine on a special occasion. This glass holds around 20 ounces of wine, and yet, it showcases the aroma, scent, and acidity of both red and white wines with quite an aplomb.

Weighing less than 4 ounces, the Zalto Denk’Art universal glass feels as light as a feather. The Austrian made Zalto Denk’Art Universal glass is mouth-blown, and is designed in accordance with the tilt angles of the Earth. Since its highly refractive with dramatic angles, this glass sure stands out on a dinner table. This is one of the many reasons why this glass has been used at fine dining restaurants for centuries.

The Zalto Denk’Art Universal glass falls into the category of luxury stemware, and we recommend you do not use it every day. The complexity and finesse that comes with this glass shall only be enjoyed occasionally with a glass of really good vintage wine.

The Zalto Denk’Art Universal glass would make an excellent gift. The packaging of this product is quite beautiful and is the perfect gift for any wine lover. This universal glass is dishwasher safe. However, we recommend you use a bottle brush to protect the shine it is famous for. If you are looking for a luxury wine glass, and you enjoy the occasional vintage, then this expensive 100 dollars universal glass from the Zalto Denk’Art is the perfect product for you.

If you are looking for a stemless wine glass for casual dine-ins, then the Ravenscroft crystal stemless wine glasses are one of the best options in the market right now. These glasses are manufactured in Poland and are made of non-leaded crystal. The Ravenscroft crystal stemless wine glasses retain the elegance of traditional stemware because of the intricately designed rim which is very thin. Moreover, these glasses are extremely light-weight.

There is a very nice shine attached to the crystal glass which is used in the production of these glasses. The Ravenscroft crystal stemless wine glasses sparkle under direct light, making the wine look extremely aesthetic.

These stemless glasses hold over 17 ounces of wine. This ensures that the aromatics and hints of the flavor of the reds can be experienced with much ease. Not only that, the Ravenscroft crystal stemless wine glasses showcase the flavors of white wine quite well. Experts believe that stemless glasses generally tend to accentuate the wine, so there is a very good chance you will be able to taste the notes of various fruits and florals as well.

The only inherent drawback of stemmed glasses is the fact that they show the fingerprints which are left on the glass while use and the heat from the hand do not let your wine stay cool for a long time. However, if you are willing to look past this inherent defect in stemless glasses and are willing to invest in one, then the Ravenscroft crystal stemless wine glass is the best wine glass for you. These glasses also come with a one year warranty.

The Michley unbreakable stemmed wine glasses are designed specifically to enhance the wine-drinking experience. The large bowl surface, which is a characteristic of these glasses, lets the wine breathe well so that the drinker can enjoy the full experience of drinking a medium or full-bodied red wine.

The large wine surface facilitates swirling, and the intricately designed thin rims ensure the wine hits the tongue first. These glasses are made from 100 percent Tritan plastic material which makes these glass shatter-resistant and nearly unbreakable. As a result, the Michley unbreakable stemmed wine glass is extremely durable and is suitable for kids and adults alike, and for indoor or outdoor activities. The stem is of the perfect size and adds balance to the glass.

The Michley unbreakable stemmed wine glasses have undergone several tests done by third-party labs to ensure there is no toxicity caused due to BPS or EA. The Tritan plastic is EA-Free and BPS-Free, so one can be sure that there will no health hazard caused due to the consumption of wine from these glasses.

The Michley unbreakable stemmed wine glasses are the lightest of glasses when it comes to Tritan glasses. They don’t break easily and are perfect for outdoor trips. These glasses are dishwasher safe, but one must remember to not use a heated cycle when cleaning them. Even though it is extremely durable, the Michley unbreakable stemmed wine glasses do not compromise when it comes to looks. They have the clarity of an expensive crystal wine glass with the durability of Tritan Plastic.

When it comes to glasses under $25, the Michley unbreakable stemmed wine glass can be considered a good gifting option as well. If you are tired of investing in a set of crystal wine glass every other month, because some tipsy friend of yours dropped it mid-way through your Friday night party, the Michley unbreakable stemmed wine is the best wine glass for you. With these, you won’t have to worry about investing in another set of glasses for a very long time.

Factors To Look For While Choosing The Best Wine Glasses

When investing in the best wine glasses available in the market, one must actually be aware of the factors that make a set of wine glasses exquisite and perfect. It is also essential that the buyer is clear on things they need in their purchase, and the features they can do without.

This comprehensive guide consists of a wide range of factors to make sure you are fully aware of where you are putting your money.

1. Type and Quality of Glass

It is a well-known fact that the perfect wine glass should be crystal clear, unadorned, and smooth. This is to make sure you can see the color of the wine as clearly as possible. There is absolutely no point in investing in any decorative glass or heavy crystal glasses with patterns. When it comes to wine glasses, the simpler it is, the better.

Not only that, one must make sure that the glasses are free of any imperfections, such as bends, warps, or bubbles. They must not have any egregious seams on the stem either.

Choosing the perfect wine glass comes down to three things – cost, practicality, aesthetics, and entertaining preferences. It is important that the buyer is clear about how they will be using their investments. If it’s for everyday use, Soda-lime glasses work perfectly fine. But on the other hand, if you will be using these glasses occasionally, you should go for crystal glasses.

They are a tad bit expensive, but aesthetically, they are definitely more beautiful and far more exquisite. Not only that, in a widely conducted survey, it was found that 68 percent of the people believed that wine tasted better in crystal glasses (both lead and non-lead) as compared to soda-lime glasses.

2. Shape and Size of the Bowl

Experts believe that the shape and size of the bowl are two of the most important aspects of any wine glass as they have a direct effect on how the aroma will be detected.

Generally, a buyer tends to invest in a glass that is big enough to hold a healthy amount of wine, but there must be enough space for the drinker to swirl and let the wine breathe.

However, one must make sure that the bowl is not too big or deep; otherwise, the aroma can get lost, and it will be impossible to detect any sort of fragrance.

A high-end all-purpose glass can be one of the best investments when it comes to wine glasses, as they provide enough volume to expose the red wine to more surface area allowing more oxygen to be absorbed into the wine. It increases the speed at which aroma molecules volatilize while the same glass can be small enough to preserve the aroma, which is the trademark of a delicate white wine.

Experts also specify that the diameter of the rim must be a little less wide than the widest part of the bowl. This helps the glass to channel the aroma, making it easier for us to detect. Any glass which does not taper inward at the top is not worth investing upon.

It is extremely important that the buyer analyzes the shape and size of the bowl, and invests accordingly. When it comes to choosing the right bowl for you, ascertain other factors like aesthetics and personal taste also play a preeminent role.

3. The Thinness Of The Glass, Rim, And Stem

The rim of the glass plays the most important role in determining the aesthetics of glass. Thin rims tend to fare better than thick and pronounced rims, as they feel the best when pressed against the lips. On the other hand, thick and pronounced rims can feel clunky and extremely distracting.

However, it should be assumed that the thickness of the rim is a matter of personal preference, but better quality wine glasses tend to be thinner and less obtrusive. For optimal perception, the wine must be dispersed throughout the mouth, and not only to a specific part of the tongue. A thinner rim helps us achieve that with relative ease when compared to a fuller rim.

Thinner stems are more elegant and generally come with high-end stemware. Thinner stems also tend to be a little expensive and are incredibly delicate. Delicate glasses with thinner stems aren’t the best investment if these glasses will be used extensively in parties, etc. They are extremely likely to break with a little applied pressure and hence, must be handled with extreme care at all times. The thin crystal glasses should be washed by hand.

4. Stem Length

The length of the stem plays a significant role when it comes to the balance of a particular glass. If you live in a place where things generally tend to topple, do not go for a long stem.

Wine glasses that are too short and stubby (less than 4 inches of stem length) lack elegance and are unattractive. On the other hand, longer stems are classier and add more aesthetic to the glass. The stem of the glass should be long enough so that you can comfortably hold the glass without touching the bowl.

It is also important to note that longer stems are harder to fit in a cupboard or the top rack of a dishwasher. Experts suggest that the ideal height of wine glass should be between 8-9 inches, with a stem of no less than 4 inches.

5. The Base and Balance of the Glass

Wine glasses with bases that have a smaller circumference are easier to knock over, as they lack balance. They also tend to make the glass heavier than usual, making it really uncomfortable if you end up holding your glass for a long time.

On the other hand, bases that were too wide are sturdier but are not ideal for a crowded table. Ideally, the bases must be about the same circumference as the widest part of the bowl for optimal balance.

The overall weight of the glass can also be significant when choosing the best wine glass. If it is too light, it is liable to topple over, while a hefty glass can be quite difficult to hold, as mentioned before.

6. Varietal-Specific Wine Glasses

Aside from all-purpose wine glasses, other wine glasses are specifically designed for different varietals of wine. The idea behind having specific glasses for different varietals is based on the fact that they can enhance, or flatten out various characteristics of the wine. We have compiled a comprehensive list of Varietal-Specific Wine Glasses in the next segment of this guide to help you choose the best wine glass.

It is also important to note that having multiple glasses for every type of wine might seem impractical to a large number of buyers, and it is so. Unless you have the space to enjoy or host an occasional wine tasting with friends and family, there is very little you can do with varietal specific wine glasses.

7. Stemless Wine Glasses

There are several top glassware manufacturers that offer stemless options on a wide range of wine glasses. However, one of the most significant drawbacks to stemless glassware is the fact that one may end up leaving unsightly fingerprints on the surface of the glass.

Another benefit of having a stem is that mostly, you are not affecting the temperature of the wine due to the heat released by your hands. Stemless wine glasses can be handy for casual drinking but are not very ideal for enjoying more delicate wines.

Types Of Wine Glasses

Generally, people tend to have a couple of sets of wine glasses. However, if you wish to take your wine appreciation a step further, then you will need a detailed overview of the various types of wine glasses which are available in the market.

Below, we have compiled a detailed list of the most commonly used Varietal-Specific Wine Glasses.

1. Red Wine Glasses

Cabernet

Cabernet is the tallest of all red wine glasses and is specially designed to intensify the smell of the wine. These glasses tend to enhance and gather the aroma due to their shape, providing a unique experience. In addition to this, the circumference of the bowl is quite large. It allows the wine to breathe properly. The narrow mouth, which is a characteristic of these glasses, captures the essence of the red wine and ensures the aroma reaches you.

It is essential that one remembers not to overfill a cabernet wine glass, as smaller amounts give the best result in terms of taste and aroma. It ensures that the wine is as fragrant as possible when consumed, and hence, tastes much better.

Burgundy

These are special glasses that have a wide bowl so as to accommodate the aromas of wine that are more on the delicate side. The glass is designed in a manner that the wine will first hit the tip of the tongue and then enter the mouth. This ensures that you can fully taste the wine and sense even the slightest of aromas.

Some of these glasses come with a slightly shorter stem, which prevents them from toppling over. But the stems are still long enough to be able to swirl the glass easily and let the wine breathe in a little air, which is important for the best possible taste and smell.

The rims are very thin near the lips to make sure the wine first hits the tip of the tongue. Not only that, but a thinner rim also allows the wine to flow into the mouth quite subtly and comfortably.

Bordeaux

The Bordeaux wine glasses are quite tall with a bowl which is comparatively smaller than the other wine glasses. They are perfect when it comes to fuller wines. The wine glasses are tall, which ensures the wine directly hits the back of your mouth, rather than just the tip of your tongue, providing a fuller experience.

These glasses make sure one is able to taste all the amazing flavors of the wine. These glasses are hence, generally associated with younger and fuller wines.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel, sometimes touted as the perfect wine glass, is a little shorter when compared to Bordeaux but has a larger rim. This ensures a fuller flavor is perceived along with the enhanced aroma of the wine. However, one must invest in a thinner rim when it comes to the Zinfandel, as thicker rims will detract the overall experience of the wine you are drinking.

The bowl is also relatively smaller but large enough for the wine to breathe well. This has a positive impact on the overall flavor of the wine and as well as the whole drinking experience.

Pinot Noir

The Pinot Noir glasses are often known as the most gorgeous of all wine glasses. They have the widest bowl out of any of the red wine or even white wine glasses. The wider bowls make sure that the wine is in maximum contact with the air when poured into these aesthetically sound glasses. The bowls of the Pinot Noir are large enough if you like swirling your wine from time to time, and the view is quite spectacular if the glass is crystal clear.

These glasses have a shorter stem as compared to other red wine glasses. The rim of these glasses is extremely well-designed so as to make sure the flavors and the aroma are directed straight to your mouth and nose, providing you with the most enjoyable experience.

Rose

The Rose glasses generally come with a long stem. There are two types of rose glasses that are available in the market. The first one comes with a short bowl and a flared lip, while the other one comes with a short bowl and a short taper.

Flared lips are preferred when you want to enjoy a younger wine, which tends to be a bit bitter as compared to its older counterpart. The flared lip will ensure that the wine hits your sweet, sensitive taste buds directly. This maximizes the sweetness of the wine you are drinking and also reduces the unpleasant aftertaste to a bare minimum. A more mature rose wine better in a glass with a short taper.

2. White Wine Glasses

Chardonnay

White wine glasses generally tend to have a more upright and U-Shaped bowl. The perfect Chardonnay glass is designed along the lines of Pinot Noir glass but is smaller in size. This glass is ideal for younger wines as the slightly larger opening leads the wine directly on to the sides of the tongue rather than the back of the mouth.

This is a great way to enjoy the sweetness of the wine, which otherwise might taste a little bitter. They have a wide bowl with a top that only narrows down a little on the top. The shape of a good Chardonnay glass is such that you are able to enjoy the intensity and deliciousness of the wine, all at the same time.

Viognier

The Viognier wine glass has a smaller bowl and a rim, which slightly more on the open side. It is important that the Viognier glasses have a small bowl so that there is not much contact with the air. Oxygen tends to destroy the aromatic notes, for which this wine is well-known and prized around the world.

The beauty of a good Viognier is in its variety of aromas, which include peaches, pears, violets and minerals, and a smaller bowl preserves these flavors inside the glass. These glasses are extremely popular in the case of a young wine as all the flavors, the sweetness, and the aromas are tightly packed inside the glass itself.

Moreover, the broad base and low center of gravity also ensure that there is very little chance of the glass toppling over.

Sparkling

The Sparkling wine glasses, more popularly known as Champagne glasses, have a much narrower bowl as compared to other white wine glasses and are generally perfectly upright. This narrow and upright shape helps the glass retain the carbonation of the wine. The rim and upright bowl also ensure that the wine plays with your tongue a little before entering the insides of your mouth.

These glasses are extremely popular as they preserve carbonation, while other glasses with wider bowls cause the wine to go flat.

The narrow-upright bowl and beautifully designed rim also allow the aromas of the wine to flow upward, giving you the easiest access to the smell. A wide base at the bottom is important as it provides the glass with a low center of gravity.

Sparkling wine glasses, often known as special occasion flutes, go hand in hand with any celebration. However, these glasses, unfortunately, tend to warm up your wine and make it go flat sooner than you would think.

Sweet Wine

The sweet wine glasses are designed explicitly for sweeter and dessert wines. They are smaller in both bowl and rim size as compared to other white wine glasses. This helps the glass direct the wine on to the back of your mouth, making sure it does not taste too sweet, and the wine is enjoyed at its best.

Dessert wines generally have a higher alcohol content as compared to other white wines. As a result of this, smaller servings and petite size of these glasses make them the perfect glasses for an after-party drink.

There is also a presence of taper on the rim, which makes it easy for us to swirl the wine, forming a perfect balance between air and wine.

Vintage

Vintage wine glasses will surely add a lot of aesthetic and charm to your décor, but they are not the easiest to drink out of. Vintage wine glasses are not designed to improve the flavor or aroma of the wine. They may work well for some wines but be a total dud in case of other wines. Its a matter of chance when it comes to these glasses.

However, vintage wine glasses can be a very part of your glass collection as they are beautiful, and some of them are even quite symbolic. They come in a variety of designs ranging from plain glass to cut crystal. Vintage wine glasses can be quite fancy when it comes to design.

These glasses are generally quite tall and streamlined, and hence, can be a little tricky to balance. If you want a set of glasses that look quite exquisite and can hold wine, which needs a lot of contact with oxygen, these vintage glasses are the perfect purchase for you.

Rose White

These white wine glasses are very similar to rose wine glasses. They come with a long stem to avoid accidental heating from the heat released by your palms. They are of two kinds; the first comes with short bowls and tapers while the other ones come with a short bowl and flared lip.

If the wine is on the younger side, the one with the flared lip works best. On the other hand, if you are drinking an aged wine, you would want to go with short bowls and tapers.

3. Other Wine Glasses

Port

Port wine glasses are smaller and thinner, but their design is quite similar to that of a Bordeaux glass. These glasses can hold around 12 ounces of wine. However, it is important that one doesn’t fill it more than halfway to entirely enjoy the aroma as well as the taste of a Port wine.

Sherry

The shape and appearance of a Sherry glass is very similar to that of a Port wine glass. They have a very long stem and a tiny opening to ensure all the aromas are protected and directed straight to the nose of the drinker. Due to the small opening, the drinker is able to detect even the slightest of hints and nuances of the drink.

Balloon

Balloon glasses are used as large wine glasses. They are extremely popular around the globe, as they are quite versatile. They can be used for red wines, which need a lot of space to breathe. They can also be used for white wines such as Chardonnay, which need their aroma to escape the glass. These glasses generally come with a long stem as it keeps the wine cool for longer durations of time.

Flute

Flute glasses are taller and skinnier to preserve the carbonation of the wine. This design also helps them keep the drink bubbly for a longer duration of time. These glasses have a long stem and are quite tall to look at. This keeps the wine cool. Carbonation is also protected and makes the drink look more appetizing.

Stemless

Stemless glasses have gained popularity in recent times as these glasses avoid the problem of glasses toppling over. However, there is one drawback. Due to the lack of stem, the wine generally tends to lose its coolness due to the heat released from the palms of the drinker.

Aerating

These glasses combine functionality with beauty. Instead of separately aerating your wine before you consume it, these glasses help you aerate your wine while you are pouring it. This saves time, and the process is extremely appetizing to look at, thereby improving the overall experience of drinking that wine.

Final Words

The wine glass market dates back to the early 14th century. So, it is only natural that there will be a large variety of options to choose from. One needs a great deal of knowledge to understand why and how to buy the perfect set of wine glasses. This not only includes the study of different types of wine glasses available in the market but also requires the right amount of knowledge about how different wines taste, react, smell, and most feel when had from different glasses.

This extensive guide covers all the intricacies and nuances of the same. We hope that after reading this guide, you are able to make an informed decision about the type of wine glasses you need. Cheers!

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